2026 midterm elections live updates: Latest news, results, and analysis
SAN MARCOS, Texas — Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico slammed his Republican opponent, Attorney General Ken Paxton, for not debating him amid reports of him partying with two fugitives in Dubai. “Paxton showed up in London for the Fourth of July to party with the British,” Talarico said at a rally Thursday night. “He showed up in Dubai for New Year’s Eve to party with his fugitive friends. He will literally show up anywhere but a debate stage here in Texas.” Just before Talarico called out his opponent, multiple rallygoers told the Washington Examiner voters “deserve” to see a debate between the two, as they remain locked in a tight race. Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported Paxton attended a 2025 New Year’s party in Dubai with two fugitives who did not return to the United States. Photos also surfaced of the Texas Republican in London over the Fourth of July weekend. The rally comes just a day after CNN hosted a town hall with Talarico, where he engaged in a debate with six voters from across the political spectrum after challenging Paxton to multiple debates.
